At least 14 people have been killed and dozens injured in lightning strikes in Bangladesh in the last two days. Reportedly, at least nine people were killed on Thursday by a massive lightning strike in Bangladesh's Sirajganj district. All the victims were working at a paddy field when the lightning strike hit them. The thunderbolt struck them abruptly, leaving five people dead on the spot and six others injured critically. Four of the injured died later in a hospital. On the other hand, lightning strike killed three children of a family and injured another one as they were collecting water lily in a 'beel' at Tongibari upazila in Munshiganj district on Saturday.
Deaths due to lightning strikes are common in Bangladesh during this time of the year. Bangladesh has seen a surge in deaths due to lightning strike over the past few years and experts have blamed the situation directly on climate change. However, it is disconcerting to note that although various initiatives have been taken in different countries to prevent deaths from lightning, in Bangladesh such initiatives are almost non-existence.
Deaths from lightning strikes have been on the rise mainly due to lack of awareness, whereas many deaths could be avoided if the meteorological department effectively broadcast early warnings on looming thunderbolts.
Hence, the Met office should effectively broadcast early warnings on thunderbolts, especially in the season of Nor’westers.
Bangladesh has seen a surge
in deaths due to lightning
strike over the past few years
On an average, about 300 to 400 people die in lightning strikes every year. Reportedly, more than 2,000 people were killed in lightning incidents in the country over the past seven years. It is apprehended that the exact number of casualties from lightning could be much higher as many cases go unreported. Meteorological department claimed that thunderbolt warnings are issued regularly, but people are not aware of those alerts.
Awareness building at individual and community levels has become pertinent in order to bring down the number of deaths and injuries from lightning. In this regard, community radio can play a crucial role.
Given the risk or dangers of thunderstorms that are supposed to loom large in the coming days, we suggest people to stay away from tall trees, electric poles and towers, and take shelter under a concrete ceiling during thunderbolts and follow the basic anti-lighting strikes rules. As a long-term initiative, tree plantation can help develop a natural canopy against storms and thunderbolts.